After severing one relationship, the Rockies renewed their commitment to another this afternoon.
On the same day that outfielder Choo Freeman was released, Colorado agreed to terms on a one-year, $3.625 million contract with starter Josh Fogg, avoiding a potentially acrimonious arbitration hearing.
The Rockies were surprised when Fogg asked for $4.25 million when the team filed at $3 million. The chasm cast uncertainty on the right-hander s future, fueling trade speculation. Fogg was discussed as part of the Rodrigo Lopez deal with Baltimore last month, but the Rockies pulled his name back.
The 30-year-old, for now, enters camp as one of several candidates for the fourth and fifth spots in the rotation. Fogg went 11-9 with a 5.49 ERA last season. With Aaron Cook, Jeff Francis and Rodrigo Lopez considered certainties, Fogg, Byung-Hyun Kim, Jason Hirsh, Brian Lawrence and Mexican import Oscar Rivera will compete for jobs in spring training.
If Lawrence proves healthy, there remains a possibility either Kim or Fogg could still be dealt.
Freeman, a one-time top prospect, was unlikely to win a roster spot, which led to his exit. The Rockies needed to clear an additional 40-man roster spot to add Lawrence and outfielder Alexis Gomez. Freeman, 27, hit .225 in 151 career games as a part-timer.
Troy E. Renck can be reached at 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
